With many sports events now taking place in sought after destinations around the world, it’s possible to incorporate sport into a holiday or tailor a holiday around an event.
Remember the Cricket in the Caribbean? Grand Prix in Monaco? And don’t forget the next football World Cup in South Africa.
The potential number of sports travellers shouldn’t be underestimated – with millions watching sport on TV, and thousands attending matches across the country each weekend, there are plenty of potential sports tourists, so the opportunity is in spotting who’s interested or could be and what’s available for them.
Engage your customer
How many times have you talked to a customer about a holiday abroad or a break in the UK and the subject of football has come up as you’re chatting? It might be last night’s TV, the shirt someone is wearing or how busy the town is today.
Your customer might not know that there are several travel options that can include an itinerary that takes in a match, be it abroad or with their favourite team in the UK. Many fans take the opportunity to combine a match with a stay in a hotel – the perfect way to have a weekend in London for example.
Know your sport
Like any specialist part of travel, you might not be fully aware of what is available, and sometimes with sport your customer may know more about the match or test series or Grand Prix than you do. Don’t let this put you off – sport is everywhere and the major events are always well publicised, sometimes months in advance.
If you’re not sure who the travel provider is, check on the website of the governing body of the sport concerned and you’ll easily be able to find approved travel partners for your customer’s event. This will also make sure that you and you’re customer are trading with a reputable company.
Sport as an option
Like anything, not everyone in the party you’re talking to will be interested in a particular sport or a team, but it might be something you could suggest as an add-on to the trip.
For example, a weekend in Edinburgh could include a trip to a Scottish Premier League game, or a cruise in the Caribbean could take in a day of test match cricket. And even if sport is the first thing on your customer’s list, you can take the opportunity to build a package around that with an extended stay or a tour on the way.
Sports fans are loyal
Be it to their team, country or favourite player, sports fans are loyal and they could be to you too. Sport allows you to embrace your community, have a different conversation with your most loyal customers, build links with your area and start conversations with a new set of customers.
After all, you might be able to help them with gifts for family and friends, be it Father’s Day or exam celebrations.
Stay up to date
With the football World Cup taking place in South Africa in 2010, around 1.5m people in the UK will obtain tickets for matches. Like all governing bodies for major events, FIFA has a list of travel partners. The World Cup next year is set to generate a lot of interest in sports tourism.
Need to find out how to obtain tickets for events in the UK? Check out Visit Britain’s website. As we approach the London 2012 Olympic Games, demand for what’s happening on home shores is set to increase.
Need to know a sports governing body or what happening in sport? With many online news services, including all the major news channels, you’re never far away form the information you need. All Sports International is an Internet news service providing fixtures and information.
About Thomas Cook Sport
Thomas Cook Sport is one of the largest sports travel operators in the UK, and offers official sports packages for many Premier League sides.
Thomas Cook Sport is a Participating Tour Operator of the 2010 FIFA World Cup©, and is providing tours and flights to the British & Irish Lion Rugby tour of South Africa this summer, as well as travel options to a host of other sporting events, including the Ashes cricket series in England this summer and Grand Prix around the world.
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